Mark 9:10-16 - Learning Three Things

So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.

 

And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

 

Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt?

 

But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.

 

And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them.

 

Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him.

 

And He asked the scribes, “What are you discussing with them?

Yes, Three!

God does things that surprise us.  The Scribes expected that Elijah would come before the Messiah and help the Messiah in ushering in a new kingdom.  Instead, Jesus remarks that Elijah will come before the Son of Man must suffer.  This all happened as Jesus predicted.  Elijah, in the person of John the Forerunner, came to recommend Jesus as the Messiah.  And both John and Jesus ended up suffering.  This was not what the religious leaders thought should happen by their reading of Sacred Scripture.

What I learn from this is three things: First, God does things that I do not expect. Second, It's easy to miss things in the Bible and actually get things wrong except for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Church.  And, third, God does way more than you ask Him:  The religious leaders of Jesus' time wanted God to set up His Kingdom and kick out the Romans.  But God did more than that. He overthrew Satan who has bound us through death and corruption. Yes, someday the Kingdom of God will be on earth. But it will be more than just a millennial reign of peace. Instead, it will be an eternal reign in which I may participate and all will be set right in the universe.

May I always look to the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit, through His Church, on how the Kingdom of God can be realized in my own life. Amen.